The Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls hosted their ninth annual Franciscan Girls Camp, “Faith and Fun with Franciscans,” from June 14-16 in Assisi Park on the grounds at St. Francis Convent in Little Falls.
The camp provides an opportunity for the girls to visit with and learn about the Franciscan sisters, develop young adult leadership skills and learn about St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.
This year’s theme was, “Swimming in God’s Love.” Girls who had completed grades six to eight enjoyed a variety of activities including singing, drumming and eating around a campfire, camping outdoors, swimming, performing a skit, art projects and spending quiet time at the labyrinth and Peace Garden. Campers came from Albany, Alexandria, Bowlus, Carlos, Holdingford, Pillager and Verndale.
The Benedictine sisters have sponsored the “Girls, God and Good Times” camps for the past 10 years — two camps each summer — at the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph. Girls who will enter fifth- or sixth-grade in the fall attended the June 20-22 camp. They were from Albany, Avon, Belle Plaine, Buckman, Clearwater, Cold Spring, Elk River, Foley, Freeport, Hillman, Maple Grove, Melrose, Paynesville, Pierz, St. Cloud, St. Joseph and Sauk Centre.
The camps are a chance for the girls to experience the monastic way of life and to visit with the Benedictine sisters. Seven Benedictine Gospel values are taught each summer: awareness of God, community, prayer and work, listening, hospitality, stewardship and peace. Activities included attending Mass with the sisters, several prayer forms including “lectio divina” with Scripture, Liturgy of the Hours for children, the rosary and prayer of the heart, a faith tour of the Saint John’s Bible, rock wall climbing and swimming, arts and crafts, bonfire and dance.
A camp for girls who will enter seventh through 10th grades this fall will take place July 25–27. The cost for each girl is $255 and includes all meals, housing, linens and activities. Financial aid is available. For a registration form, contact Benedictine Sister Lisa Kittock at lkittock@csbsju.edu or 320-363-7114 or download a form at www.sbm.osb.org/3G.